Choices, like yours and mine, often make sense at the moment of decision, but too often impulsive decisions come with unexpected consequences. This is part-6 of the “10 for 25” series on important lessons I’ve learned at TreeHouse.

The Moment Of Decision

I love softball. Several years ago while playing in a softball tournament I was faced with a decision that has affected thousands of people since.

As soon as I shared my number I felt obligated to explain a few things: – I don’t answer very often – I don’t text back very quickly – I don’t answer when I’m busy – I don’t respond to people who call or text repeatedly

A few years ago I decided it was easier to explain this list of annoyances when I share my number than to have to make apologies.

What do you do when you have one agenda, and someone else has another, but you’re supposed to be “on the same page”?

Your parent may be right. Your parent may be wrong. Your teen may be realistic. Your teen may be deluded.

One principle helps me make sense of other people — even very smart people — who make stupid choices.

The principle: Most people do what they believe makes sense.

This weekend teens will: – Lie to their parents about where they are going – Lie to their parents about what they will be doing – Lie to their parents about where they will spend the night – Lie to their parents about who they will be with

Lucado’s challenge is to personalize the life and death of Christ. Lucado explains that Jesus’ proclamation “I did it just for you.” is his resounding, enduring and personalized message.

Lucado makes the case that the trial, judgment, and execution was not happenstance. “Knowing his last deeds would be forever pondered, don’t you think he chose them carefully? Deliberately? Of course he did. There were no accidents that day.”

Taxes are due this week. Tax preparers prepare tax returns, but what’s a best friend to do with a drunk best friend?

Let me explain. 1

Desean loved his friends. He’s got several friends. Not all of his friends get along together.

One night, a Wednesday night, Desean and Chris stayed out late. Chris had been with Desean and some of his other friends, but when they started talking about getting drunk Chris “remembered” homework he wanted to get done. He left hoping Desean would join him. He didn’t.

Should I buy this present?Should I give this panhandler money?Should I invest in this mutual fund?Should I buy this house?Should I choose this school?Should I leave this job?Should I ask her out?Should I say “yes”?!?